An interaction occurs when:
A) the dependent variable does not depend on any of the independent variables.
B) two independent variables both influence the dependent variable.
C) the effects of one independent variable depend on the level of the other independent variable.
D) a single independent variable changes the dependent variable, disregarding all other variables in the study.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An interaction occurs when the effects of one independent variable depend on the level of the other independent variable. This means that the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable is not straightforward and cannot be understood by looking at each variable separately. Option A is incorrect because in any study, the dependent variable is expected to depend on at least one independent variable. Option B refers to a situation where there are two independent variables, but it does not necessarily mean that there is an interaction. Option D is incorrect because it suggests that other variables in the study can be disregarded, which is not a sound scientific approach.

An Interaction Occurs When